How to Argue with the Clinical Noobs: Dismantling the Myths of Video Game Addiction

Three panelists from different theoretical backgrounds get together to discuss the potential formation of the "Internet Gaming Disorder" for the DSM and the recently formed "Gaming Disorder" in the ICD. The discussion will critically engage with disorder criteria and deconstruct it as well as discuss the social and clinical outcomes that may come about as a result of these criteria. The discussion will also address the differences between IGD/GD and substance/behavioral addictions from its epistemology to its biological framework. Finally the panelists will discuss how they engage with clients whose narratives coincide with IGD/GD criteria and talk about the transformative and uplifting aspects of gaming.

Learning Objectives

1. Be able to define Internet Gaming Disorder
2. Identify the DSM and ICD Criteria for IGD and GD.
3. Discuss the social, behavioral, biological and philosophical groundwork for the establishment of IGD and GD as clinical diagnosis.
4. Discuss the relationships (negative and positive) that people have with gaming and consolidate it with the ideas brought on by the previous two objectives.

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